Tim Polzer's Sunday Morning QB: Top Playoff Storylines

The Texas high school football playoff brackets are set, so let’s look at some interesting first-round matchups and possible postseason storylines.

CLASS 5A DIVISION I STORYLINES

Another Plano-Trinity Showdown?

Plano has lost to Trinity in each of the last two postseasons and the Wildcats may face a third encounter if they can get past Duncanville in the first round. Plano’s improbable run to a playoff berth with a 4-6 record featured an improved defense and reliable play from quarterback Connor Michelson. A win over Duncanville is a definite possibility, but Trinity might be a different – or is it the same – story. Trinity should be able to wear down a Flower Mound team that’s struggled to a 6-4 record after winning six of their first seven games.

From Second-Place to State?

If you’re looking for a second-place team capable of going far in the playoffs, look no further than Coppell. The Cowboys (9-1) only lost to Southlake Carroll in District 6-5A play (their poorest showing of the season) and have the best record in Region I. A trip to the state semifinals or better is not out of the question.

Unluckiest Playoff Draw?

Fans and coaches of Skyline and DeSoto are raising their hands. Skyline (10-0) entered the final week ranked second in the state. DeSoto was ranked ninth in the state, before losing to Tyler John Tyler by a point. These two rosters filled with Division I recruits are expected to meet in the second round, leaving a state contender home early.

Good News, Bad News

Whichever team survives a Skyline-DeSoto showdown would be favored to go as far as the Region II finals, where it could face The Woodlands (10-0) or Round Rock Stony Point (9-1). Many folks in Allen think Stony Point provided the Eagles their toughest game on their way to this division’s state title last year.

CLASS 5A DIVISION II STORYLINES

State’s Toughest Region Bracket

Those bragging rights go to Region I, which includes four teams ranked among the state’s top 10. Cedar Hill (No. 1), Allen (No. 5), Abilene (No. 6) and Southlake Carroll (No. 8). Needless to say, MANY folks in these cities were rooting for Jesuit to beat Plano on Friday. The Wildcats’ win bumped Allen down to Division II, making Region I that much tougher.

Unluckiest Playoff Draw, Pt. 2

Allen and Southlake Carroll fans need not call me about our earlier mention of Skyline vs. DeSoto. We know, the Eagles and Dragons will likely play in the second round. Allen is still looking to avenge past playoff loses to Carroll, but does have a ring from last year.

Who’s This Year’s Wylie?

And by that, I’m referring to the Pirates’ run to last year’s Division II state finals as the third-place team out of District 8-5A. The hottest third-place team going could be Flower Mound Marcus (6-3), which played defending Division II state champion Katy tough in a non-district loss, and put scares into Southlake Carroll and Coppell. The Marauders don’t try to fool anyone, choosing to run the ball down opponents’ throats. They’ve got the kind of clock-consuming, ball-control approach that could slow down the state’s better teams….unfortunately, the Marauders are also stuck in the outrageously tough Region I.

CLASS 4A DIVISION I STORYLINES

State’s Toughest Division Bracket

Six of the top seven ranked teams in Week 10’s state Class 4A poll have landed in Division I. Denton Guyer (9-1), which lost to Denton Ryan (9-1) last week, Waxahachie (10-0) and Highland Park (9-1) find themselves in a bracket that includes Lake Travis (10-0), Longview (9-1), Waco Midway (8-2). Ryan’s win over Guyer could boost the Raiders into next week’s top 10.

Guyer vs. Ryan, Pt. 2

Yep, there’s a very good chance that Denton’s C.H. Collins Athletic Complex could host Denton Guyer playing Denton Ryan in the Region I finals.

Other Possible Showdowns

Carrollton Newman Smith’s first postseason since 1983 could include a Region II quarterfinal showdown with state-ranked Longview. The same Longview team that upset 5A state champion Allen in their season-opener.

Waxahachie and Highland Park area also bracketed for a potential clash of state-ranked teams in a Region II quarterfinal.

CLASS 4A DIVISION II STORYLINES

Tough Region I

Region I features a stout bracket that includes state-ranked Aledo (9-1), Lake Dallas (9-1), Birdville (9-1) and Everman (8-2).

Easiest Route to State Semifinals?

Some could argue that Denison (9-1) or Terrell (8-2) will enjoy the path of least resistance. Region II’s bracket includes Adamson (4-6), Conrad (4-5), Pinkston (5-5), Corsicana (5-5), Kilgore (5-5), Lindale (6-4), Waco University (6-4) and Richardson Pearce (6-4).

CLASS 3A & OTHERS STORYLINES

Can Argyle Win Division II State Title?

The Eagles’ dream season now enters the postseason and a Region 2 bracket that includes Van Alystyne (10-0), Kennedale (9-1) and always dangerous Celina (6-4).

Can Prosper Repeat As Division I State Champs?

The Eagles (9-1) didn’t win District 9-3A, but rank as one of the favorites to win Division I. They must get past Gilmer (10-0), Sealy (10-0) and Cuero (10-0) among others.

Week 10 Wow Factors

Wow. Do you give DeSoto coach Claude Mathis credit or criticism? Trailing Tyler John Tyler 41-40 with 16 seconds left. Mathis decided to go for a two-point conversion rather than kick an extra point and likely send the game into overtime. John Tyler sacked DeSoto quarterback Ryan Polite on the try. The loss resulted in a three-way tie for the District 11-5A title between DeSoto, John Tyler and Tyler Lee.

Wow. After losing its first five games – while allowing an average of 64 points – McKinney made the playoffs. The usually pass-first Lions beat Frisco Liberty 35-14 behind the rushing of Damion Willis, who gained 265 yards and scored two TDs.

Wow. Mesquite Horn stopped Mesquite on the 1-yard line as time ran out to earn a playoff spot in District 11-5A. The Jaguars had lost four straight games after opening the season 5-0.

Wow. Grand Prairie ended a six-year losing streak to cross-town rival South Grand Prairie and also booted the Warriors from the playoffs.

Wow. Coppell quarterback Hayden Hawk and Flower Mound quarterback Paul Millard combined for 784 passing yards and seven TD passes in Coppell’s 45-24 win. Both teams qualified for the playoffs out of tough 6-5A.